As one of the pioneers of trustee indemnity insurance (also known as trustee liability insurance), we have many years knowledge of the risks facing the management of charities and not-for-profit organisations.

Regardless of how well intending your decisions as a trustee may be, claims or allegations of negligence could be made against you during (or after) your time as a charity trustee. Such allegations could cost thousands of pounds in legal fees, expenses and compensation – and without trustees insurance, you may be liable to pay them out of your own pocket.

Our specialist trustee indemnity insurance can cover your legal fees, expenses and any damages awarded against you following an allegation of negligence – giving you the peace of mind that your personal wealth won’t be at risk if a claim is brought against you.

Arranging the right trustee indemnity insurance is vital, and without speaking to a specialist it can be a complicated process. We have insurance experts at the other end of the phone who can answer any questions you have about trustee insurance and explain what it can cover in plain English – get a quote now or call us today!

Our insurance for trustees covers:

Your legal liability as a governer, director, council member, officer or trustee of the organisation

The defence of any legal action seeking your disqualification as a director

Policy Documents

Cover starting at just £6 a month

Frequently asked questions

It's a little known fact that trustees can be held personally accountable for wrongful actions and decisions during their tenure at a charity - even if the intent was good.

It's well known that the Charity Commission has taken a hard stance on mismanagement of charities in recent years, and the legal costs involved with defending an allegation of wrongdoing or an investigation can be eye wateringly high. Every trustee should give serious consideration to trustee indemnity insurance - without it, should a claim be brought against the trustee, they may have to fund their defence out of their own personal wealth.

Trustee indemnity insurance claims can be wide-ranging, but some examples are given below:

Alleged defamationFollowing publication of an article, the charity trustees were sued for defamation by another charity with similar objectives. The claimant stated that certain statements made in the article were untrue and gave a false representation of the charity.

Claim for alleged trespassA neighbouring landowner to the charity claimed that recent construction carried out by the charity infringed on their property. The charity claim their documents showed that the previous owner passed the land over to them, whereas the claimant argued that the land never legally belonged to the previous owner. Trustees were responsible for damages and for restoring the land to its former condition.

Charity commission investigating TrusteesThe Charity Commission investigated trustees of a charity alleging non-compliance with charity law. The allegations concerned trustees meetings not being compliant with the minimum attendance number required and failure to notify funders that the charity's activities had changed.

Many clients and industry bodies with regulatory requirements will require you to have a minimum level of cover in order for you to undertake a contract, so it's worth checking this before you arrange cover. If you're unsure, or it's the first time you have arranged cover, give some thought to a worst-case scenario and the likely costs involved in putting your mistake right. We offer a range of limits, so you're sure to find the right cover for your business.

Established over 25 years ago, we've gained an unrivalled understanding of the risks facing small charities and community groups, and our policies are specially designed to protect you.

We're regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority, and you can view our details on the Financial Services Register. We're a division of Markel International, a Lloyd's and London market insurer that wrote gross premiums of $1.2 billion in 2014.

We actively support the third sector. Since 2008, we have donated more than £150,000 to our supported charity, Carers Trust, and have supported numerous charity awards including the Third Sector Excellence Awards and Britain's Best Volunteer in partnership with Small Charities Coalition.

Still not sure? Call us on 0845 688 2500 - one of our insurance experts will be more than happy to answer any questions you have and talk you through the insurance we offer so you can choose the right cover for your business. Alternatively, get an online quote in 90 seconds now and call us later if anything needs clarifying.

Yes. We cover hundreds of small charities and community groups that don't have a regular meeting place and instead rotate between different venues, such as members' homes, village halls and community centres.

Cover starting at just £6 a month

More specialist cover

Professional indemnity insurance covers the cost of defending your business against allegations of professional negligence (such as giving your client incorrect or wrongful advice) and any compensation or damages subsequently awarded against you. This is essential insurance if you provide advice, designs or services to your client. Cover is available with limits ranging from £50,000 to £5m.

Public and product liability insurance covers the cost of defending your business (including damages awarded against you if unsuccessful) if someone is injured, or their property damaged, which arises from you going about your business or supplying products. The legal fees alone could cost your business thousands of pounds. If you regularly visit client premises as part of your consulting activities, you may need this cover. Limits range from £1m to £5m.

Employer’s liability insurance is a legal requirement if your business has employees. It covers your business against claims for injury or illness suffered by employees arising from their employment. If you employ staff, even on a part time basis, you almost certainly need this cover. Cover for £10m.

Office insurance covers your office buildings, office contents and computer equipment against accidental damage (including theft) whilst on your business premises. You can also choose to cover your business equipment (such as laptops and mobile phones) on a worldwide basis, and insure your business against loss of income and/or additional trading expenses following events such as damage to your property

HELP AND GUIDANCE

GENERAL

Markel direct is a trading name of Markel (UK) Limited which is a company registered in England and an appointed representative of Markel International Insurance Company Limited. Markel (UK) Limited only places insurance policies with Markel International Insurance Company Limited which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority.